This year’s Capital Pride Weekend was a vibrant celebration that brought record-breaking ridership to the DC Metro area. The festivities included the annual Capital Pride Parade, which took a new route this year, beginning at 14th and T Streets NW and ending on Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th and 10th Streets NW (Capital Pride Alliance). This change allowed for wider roads and bigger floats, enhancing the parade experience as a “dress rehearsal” for the upcoming WorldPride 2025, expected to draw 3 million attendees to Washington, D.C. (Capital Pride Alliance).
The parade, held on Saturday, June 8, featured a “Totally Radical” theme, paying homage to the activism and cultural milestones of the 1980s and 90s (WUSA9). Despite the route change, community spirit remained strong, with the traditional block party on 17th Street NW and a family-friendly area at Stead Park offering activities, games, and a drag story hour (Capital Pride Alliance)
Sunday, June 9, was packed with events, starting with the Capital Pride Festival from noon to 10 p.m. on Pennsylvania Avenue NW. The day included performances on the Capitol Stage and a sunset dance party, all set against the iconic backdrop of the U.S. Capitol (Capital Pride Alliance) (WUSA9).
As Capital Pride prepares for WorldPride 2025, this year’s celebrations served as a testament to the vibrant and resilient LGBTQ+ community in DC. For those planning ahead, expect more exciting changes and even larger celebrations in the years to come.
WorldPride DC 2025 will be inaugurated in yet-to-be-announced sports arena. The celebration will begin with a formal land acknowledgment, followed by a captivating performance by local tribal leaders. The occasion also marks the beginning of the Capital Cup and WorldPride Sports Festival. What to expect: opening remarks, a flag-raising ceremony by key dignitaries including the Mayor, food and drink, an interactive light display and a live concert.
Sports Festival – May 30 – June 4, 2025. WorldPride Music Festival – Global Dance Party – June 6-7, 202. For the first time ever, the grandest LGBTQ+ celebration arrives in DC to mark the 50th anniversary of Capital Pride. The two-day music festival features three stages of diverse, incredible talent and cutting-edge art across genres like house, pop, drag, and techno. Prepare for the ultimate global dance party organized by Jake Resnicow’s Dreamland and produced by Insomniac Events and Club Glow, the team behind the historic 2019 WorldPride event in NYC.
WorldPride Parade – June 7, 2025. Experience the WorldPride Parade as decorative floats, festive groups and diverse displays make their way down Constitution Avenue. Spanning nearly 20 blocks, celebrate the LGBTQ+ community as the monumental backdrop of the nation’s capital is decked out with pops of color and vibrant fanfare.
WorldPride Festival – June 7-8, 2025
For more details about the event and future updates, you can visit the Capital Pride Alliance website.